The question now is whether this practice will be followed by George and William, as they have been known to travel together by plane, helicopter, or car. Rebecca English, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor, offered her insights based on her extensive experience covering the royal family since 2004. ‘I spoke to the Palace this week,’ she revealed, ‘and they seemed unaware of any changes. My sense is that the family intends to keep their current travel routines.’

Jo Elvin, known for her show on YouTube and appearances on ITV’s Lorraine, found the Palace’s reaction unexpected. She recalled learning as a child about such royal protocols from her father, describing the absence of this practice as odd. Richard agreed, noting that discussions about security and travel arrangements are generally avoided. However, he expressed concern, stating, ‘This isn’t an easy topic, but it’s crucial for the continuity of our royal family. Consider who’s next after the Wales family—Harry and Meghan!’ he pointedly added.

‘I’m sure this isn’t true but there were some rumours that Meghan had said something about “we’re only one plane crash away from being on the throne.” ‘I am sure she didn’t as it’s a very tasteless comment but the fact is, Prince Harry and Meghan could be on the throne and that is something, I would say, would be a threat to the future of the monarchy.’ Pleading to the Wales Family, he said: ‘Come on, even though it’s not great for the environment, please put George on a separate flight and a separate helicopter from his father. My understanding is that he would still be able to travel with his mother,’ Jo added.

To which Rebecca replied: ‘Yeah, but as I say, I don’t think the family will change their travel plans at all.’ This does not seem to align with the wishes of King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II – both of whom expressed their concerns about the Wales Family flying together. ‘Not only do they travel together,’ Richard explained, ‘Prince William, who is a qualified helicopter pilot, actually flies the helicopter. According to Robert Jobson’s book, the King didn’t like William flying the whole family and urged him to stop. It is something that Queen Elizabeth expressed her concerns about as well. I think she was always keen to make sure that she did travel separately from the heir-to-the-throne Charles. It is a matter of some importance, I would say,’ he added.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams added important historical context as to why this rule was followed so ardently by the late Queen. The experienced royal commentator told MailOnline that the bizarre rule was established following a string of tragic deaths in the family involving aircrafts. ‘The unexpected can happen, as with Prince William of Gloucester’s tragic death in 1972, though this was in a competition,’ Richard said. ‘Prince George, Duke of Kent also died in a plane crash in 1942, which has become controversial. Prince Philip’s sister, Cecile, died in a plane crash in 1937, giving birth to a stillborn child,’ he added.

These tragedies have only served to reinforce the Royal Family’s belief in ensuring the heirs travel separately. Richard noted that a similar policy exists across the pond where the President never travels by plane with the Vice-President. Whilst this new royal protocol may be one that the Wales Family choose not to follow, it is just one of many rules George and his siblings are subject to. These include always travelling with a change of black clothes should a member of the family die unexpectedly.

This rule was introduced after King George VI died while Elizabeth was in Kenya and she did not have any black clothes. The children also face limits on what they can and can’t wear with the girls expected to wear dresses and the boys must wear shorts.

On top of this, they can never eat shellfish while on a royal tour to avoid food poisoning. For more fascinating insights from the Mail’s team of unrivalled experts, watch the latest episode of Palace Confidential in full now, subscribe to the Daily Mail Royals YouTube channel and sign up to the FREE Palace Confidential newsletter.